Entertainment
Meet the writers behind some of Nollywood’s Biggest Cinema releases of 2024
Published
Meet the writers behind – When we gush about…
When we gush about our favourite Nollywood blockbusters, we tend to shower all the love on the actors who bring the drama or the directors who yell, “Action!”
But what about the masterminds behind the scenes; the writers who sit hunched over their laptops, churning out the twists and turns that leave us clutching our popcorn in shock?
Yes, writers are the true wizards of the screen, conjuring up the love triangles, the slap-worthy betrayals, and the “Jesus-is-Lord!” plot twists that keep us glued to our seats. They’re the ones making sure your favourite Nollywood stars have lines so iconic, that you’re still quoting them in traffic weeks later.
In 2024, Nollywood gave us a buffet of cinematic hits—from thrillers that had us biting our nails to rom-coms that made us believe in love (again). But behind every box office smash is a writer, grinding away to give us those unforgettable stories.
READ ALSO: Catch up on these Nollywood films streaming on Netflix today!
So, grab a drink, because we’re about to meet the literary legends behind Nollywood’s biggest cinema releases of the year.
Tunde Babalola – Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
A seasoned screenwriter in Nigerian cinema and British television whose notable Nollywood works include Last Flight to Abuja, Critical Assignment, October 1, Citation, and the TV soap opera, Tinsel. He was a writer on the UK series The Bill and In Exile. Initially titled Dust, Babalola wrote the script for the critically acclaimed blockbuster 1 October in 2014. The film was directed by Kunle Afolayan. In 2015, he joined as the writer and producer of the comedy TV production Rib Busters: Comedy Show. In 2015, Babalola won the awards for Best Comedy Writer for the film The Meeting and Best Drama Writer for the film October 1 at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In 2024 he wrote the script for the biggest biopic in West Africa, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti and another epic Netflix project House of Ga’a. Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti won Best Screenplay and Best Film at the African Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2023.
Opukeme has several high-performing works to his credit. Some of them include Adire, Battle on Buka Street and most recently Farmer’s Bride which he took his career further by co-directing with Adebayo Tijani. With his background in Theater and Media at the University of Calabar, Opukeme found his interest in directing and in his final year, he realized he had a thing for directing so he directed Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, a play in school. He came to Lagos as an intern for FilmOne, the leading film distributor in Nigeria and his career took off from there.Jack’enneth Opukeme – Farmer’s Bride
This guy is behind the screenplay of popular works including Bling Lagosians, Afamefuna: An Nwa-boi Story, Merry Men, Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, Knocking on Heaven’s Door, and Champagne. With Queen Lateefah, Joseph through the life of an elite-wanna-be weaves a story that explores deception, lies and the cost of living a fake life in modern-day Lagos. Olaitan is popular for the film Ojukokoro, a 2016 film which received the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). He also wrote Dwindle, Ile Owo, Obara’M and Ègún. Okonkwo has screenplay credit for several notable works like Soole, Obara’m, Honey Money, and an upcoming project The Party. In 2018, Olaitan wrote and directed Knockout Blessing, a movie which explores the story of an ambitious female boxer who finds herself entangled in the world of political corruption. The film was nominated for Best Nigerian Film and Best Visual Effects at the 2019 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Ajosepo which he shares screenplay credit with Okonkwo is a 2024 comedy-drama film that explores the impact of family dynamics and cultural nuances on a young couple preparing for marriage. The film held the top seat at the Nigerian box office 4 weeks after its release.Anthony Kehinde Joseph – Queen Lateefah
Dare Olaitan and Stephen Okonkwo – Ajosepo
Cheta Chukwu is a writer-director with several works to his credit including Strawberry Chinny (starring Genoveva Umeh and Chimezie Imo) which made the official selection list for the Essence Festival this year. He wrote and directed Payday, a comedy-drama, which had its theatrical release in Nigeria and 9 Francophone countries but was later acquired by Netflix. His newest screenplay, The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3 and achieved impressive feats since its release on October 18, 2024. A few months ago, he got accepted into the Torino Film Lab’s (TFL) Extended Writer-Director Program in the Netherlands, for his new project, Love is a Deeper Shade of Red, further cementing his place in the global film industry. Cheta Chukwu – The Uprising Wives on Strike 3
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Entertainment
These True Crime documentaries on Netflix will blow your mind
Published
49 minutes agoon
December 4, 2024By
JulieThese True Crime documentaries – These True Crime documentaries…
These True Crime documentaries – If you’ve ever stayed…
If you’ve ever stayed up way past bedtime bingeing Netflix documentaries, this one’s for you. Whether you’re here for the thrill of uncovering a mastermind criminal plot or just trying to figure out how these people got away with that (seriously, how?!), Netflix has you covered.
Crime documentaries are the ultimate guilty pleasure. They give you the drama of a Nollywood thriller, the twists of a K-drama, and the suspense of a Hollywood blockbuster, all wrapped up in the fact that it actually happened. Real people, real stories, real “WHAT THE HECK?!” moments.
READ ALSO: ‘Gladiator II’ becomes Denzel Washington’s most successful movie with a worldwide gross of $320 million
Now, let’s be real: we all think we’d make great detectives after watching a couple of these. “Oh, I saw that clue coming from a mile away!” Sure, Sherlock, but would you really crack the case in real life? Let’s test your detective skills with these must-watch Netflix crime documentaries.
The Tinder Swindler
This one shook the internet. Swipe right for heartbreak, betrayal, and a whole lot of stolen cash. Romance is not a new thing but damn, this one is a wild ride. The documentary follows a guy who used dating apps to scam women out of millions. Romantic scammer alert! You’ll be screaming, “How did they fall for that?!” while secretly wondering if your own Tinder match might be plotting something.
Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes
Follow the jaw-dropping story of Dennis Nilsen, a serial killer who narrates his life and horrific crimes via a series of chilling audiotapes recorded from his jail cell. This documentary will leave you wondering what was going through his mind when he committed these crimes. Trust me, your head will spin with all the twists and turns.
The Menendez Brothers
Speaking from prison, Lyle and Erik Menendez narrate the truth behind the murder of their parents. The American brothers are convicted murderers who killed their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home in 1989. Following the murders, Lyle and Erik claimed that unknown intruders were responsible for the murders, framing it as a potential mob killing. Erik finally confessed to the murders in sessions with his psychologist, citing a desire to be free of a controlling father with high standards, which led to their arrests months later.
Abducted in Plain Sight
Yes, it’s as intense as the title sounds. It follows a family who falls prey to the manipulative charms of a neighbour, who abducts their adolescent daughter. This one will make you think twice about trusting the people around you. It contains interview footage with Broberg. The story was first told in Stolen Innocence: The Jan Broberg Story, a memoir published by her and her mother in 2003.
What Jennifer Did
This heartbreaking documentary dives into the chilling case of the Pan family murder. It follows Jennifer Pan who calls 911 to report that her parents have been shot. She soon becomes the primary focus of a captivating criminal case. Jenny Popplewell‘s new doc reveals the twisted truth behind Jennifer Pan’s plot to murder her parents.
Whether you’re here for the psychological deep dives or just the wild twists and turns, Netflix’s crime documentaries are the ultimate binge-worthy obsession. They’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about justice, humanity, and maybe even your neighbour.
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Entertainment
Netflix exits the Nigerian market: What Could This Mean for Us?
Published
4 hours agoon
December 4, 2024By
JulieNetflix exits the Nigerian – Netflix exits the Nigerian…
Netflix exits the Nigerian – Following the news of…
Following the news of Prime Video’s exit from Nigeria, Netflix has been rumoured to have left quietly for a while now.
Netflix has been a game-changer in how Nigerians consume entertainment. From thrilling Nollywood originals to Hollywood blockbusters, the platform has been our go-to for endless binge sessions, date nights, and even family bonding. But recently, whispers have been circulating: Netflix might have packed its bags and quietly exited the Nigerian market.
If the rumours are true, why would Netflix leave the country, and why haven’t they made a formal announcement? More importantly, what does this mean for Nigerian creators, audiences, and the entertainment landscape as a whole? Let’s unpack this quietly bubbling storm.
A Love Affair Gone Sour?
When Netflix officially expanded into Nigeria, it was a match made in heaven. They tapped into the vibrant Nollywood industry, commissioning original content that resonated deeply with local audiences while also appealing to a global market. Titles like Oloture, Blood Sisters and Anikulapo showcased the richness of Nigerian stories, while the platform became a major ally in putting Nollywood on the global stage.
However, maintaining a relationship with any market comes with its challenges. In recent months, the platform seemed less aggressive in promoting its presence in Nigeria, fueling speculation about whether all was well. The rumours of their exit have now added another layer of mystery.
READ ALSO: These True Crime documentaries on Netflix will blow your mind
Why Would Netflix Leave Nigeria?
Let’s be real. Running a business in Nigeria isn’t for the faint-hearted. Here are some possible reasons Netflix may have decided to leave
Economic Instability
With fluctuating exchange rates, high inflation, and economic uncertainty, operating in Nigeria has become increasingly expensive for international companies. Could these factors have eaten into Netflix’s profit margins?
Subscriber Numbers
Nigeria’s subscription base may not have met Netflix’s expectations. Streaming services thrive on large audiences, but high subscription costs, limited internet access, and data costs might have been barriers for many Nigerians.
What Does This Mean for Nigerians?
If the rumours are true, Netflix’s exit would leave a significant gap in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Here’s what it could mean for us.
For Audiences, Nigerian viewers will lose access to a platform that introduced us to a wider array of international content and gave Nollywood a global spotlight. Sure, other platforms exist, but Netflix has its unique appeal. For creators, Netflix offered a significant platform for Nigerian filmmakers, actors, and writers to showcase their talents to a global audience. Without Netflix, creators may have fewer opportunities to break into the international market. For the Industry, Netflix helped set a standard for production quality in Nigeria. Their absence could slow down the push for better standards and funding in Nollywood.
What’s Next?
Whether Netflix has left or is simply taking a step back, the reality is that Nigerian stories are too big to ignore. Other platforms may step up to fill the void, and new players could emerge. As Nigerians, we’re resilient and resourceful, and Nollywood will continue to thrive regardless.
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Entertainment
Everything to know about John Ritter's transgender son, Noah Lee Ritter
Published
7 hours agoon
December 4, 2024By
JulieEverything to know about – Everything to know about…
Everything to know about – Introduction Noah Lee Ritter…
Introduction
Noah Lee Ritter is an American former child actor and composer, best known as the youngest child of late comedy legend John Ritter and actress Amy Yasbeck. Born on September 11, 1998, Noah captured attention not only for his acting talent but also for his decision to transition and live as a transgender man.
Early Life and Education
Born as Stella Ritter, Noah was raised in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His father, John Ritter, was a beloved figure in Hollywood, while his mother, Amy Yasbeck, also had a successful acting career. Noah grew up in Los Angeles alongside his half-siblings Jason, Tyler, and Carly Ritter. Although specific details of his education remain private, Noah was exposed to the arts from an early age, likely inspiring his creative pursuits.
Career
Noah made his debut as a child actor in projects like This Is My Friend (2007) and later appeared in The Namazu and Hannah Lost Her Smile (2013). Known for his musical talent, Noah also worked as a composer. However, his career in entertainment was short-lived, as he chose to step away from the limelight after publicly transitioning in 2016.
Personal Life
In 2016, Noah came out as transgender, embracing his new identity and changing his name from Stella to Noah. This marked a turning point in his life, as he chose to prioritize his personal journey over public recognition. Since then, Noah has maintained a private life, avoiding media attention and focusing on living authentically.
Challenges and Controversies
Noah’s transition garnered widespread attention, given his family’s celebrity status. While his journey has inspired many, he also faced the challenges of navigating his identity under public scrutiny. The death of his father when he was just five years old added another layer of emotional complexity to his early life.
Legacy and Impact
Although he left the entertainment industry, Noah’s story has had a significant impact, sparking discussions about gender identity, acceptance, and the importance of living authentically. As a member of the Ritter family, his courage continues to inspire those who follow his journey from afar.
Conclusion
Noah Lee Ritter’s story is one of resilience and authenticity. From a promising start in Hollywood to stepping away from fame to live life on his own terms, Noah embodies the importance of self-acceptance and staying true to oneself despite societal pressures. His legacy continues to inspire conversations about individuality and the courage to embrace one’s identity.
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